tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46865594134292622582024-03-12T21:02:16.309-06:00From the Frozen WastelandThe random thoughts of a man constantly staving off hypothermia and wolves.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.comBlogger702125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-88561734905346364042019-08-30T12:07:00.000-06:002019-08-30T12:07:44.313-06:00Ninth verse, same as the first<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FndjbVQp52A/XWljnpH1gFI/AAAAAAAAelo/miI-IlDuNDozr4lFaasvYQukDFOGgFF8gCLcBGAs/s1600/merlin_5018.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FndjbVQp52A/XWljnpH1gFI/AAAAAAAAelo/miI-IlDuNDozr4lFaasvYQukDFOGgFF8gCLcBGAs/s320/merlin_5018.0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Colter Peterson, Deseret News</i><br />
<br />
Don't really have much to say, other than congratulations, Seth, for winning the Guess the Score contest by predicting Utah would win 30-18. The $50 Amazon gift card is on the way!<br />
<br />
Other than that, it was a fairly typical BYU-Utah game. Utah ground it out with the running game (Moss is seriously impressive) and scored many of their points on defense. Zach imploded, throwing two pick sixes and otherwise looking harried and outmatched.<br />
<br />
I think this game broke me, because I've never had less faith BYU could beat Utah in the future. After the rain delay, there were 9 minutes left in the game and there was maybe some hope BYU could stage a miraculous comeback, but Utah just methodically ran the ball 34 times and ran the rest of the game clock out in one drive. BYU KNEW all they wanted to do was run and couldn't stop it. That's demoralizing.<br />
<br />
Someone on CB posted that seven of the last thirteen BYU home games have featured BYU scoring a single TD or less.<br />
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">12 pts & 1 TD vs Utah, offense gave up 2 TD's</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">6 pts, no TDs vs N Illinois</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">11 pts (1 TD in garbage time plus defensive TD) vs Cal</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">6 pts (no TD's) vs Wisconsin</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">10 pts (includes 1 garbage time TD) vs UMass</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">7 pts vs Boise State</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5px;">13 pts (1 TD) vs Utah</span></blockquote>
That's abysmal. Poor BYU fans who attend the games. BYU's offense seems entirely broken, and has been for almost a decade now. I don't know if it's going to fixed any time soon.<br />
<span style="font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #faf9f7; font-size: 13.5px;"></span></span>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-69448819528974586362019-08-27T15:57:00.000-06:002019-08-27T15:57:53.847-06:00What year is it? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDBMBsE00gg/XWWfm5thPzI/AAAAAAAAehQ/4GMGU-PB_pwnxfqoSnpprLI_JhjMoguZwCLcBGAs/s1600/BYUUtah2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDBMBsE00gg/XWWfm5thPzI/AAAAAAAAehQ/4GMGU-PB_pwnxfqoSnpprLI_JhjMoguZwCLcBGAs/s320/BYUUtah2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at this photo. It's November, 2009, and BYU has just beat Utah, at home, for the third time in four seasons. All three wins had been close, but they were wins, and it was a good time to be a BYU fan.<br />
<br />
That was the last time BYU beat Utah in football. 9 years and three months ago.<br />
<br />
And, for the first time since then, I've felt like BYU has a QB who can have a good day against Utah.<br />
<br />
The average stat line for BYU quarterbacks from 2007 to 2017:<br />
<br />
17 for 36<br />
205 yards<br />
less than one touchdown<br />
just over one interception<br />
<br />
For a sparkling NCAA quarterback rating of 98.6.<br />
<br />
Neither Max Hall, nor Jake Heaps, nor Riley Nelson, nor Taysom Hill nor Tanner Mangum could have a good day against Utah's defense the last decade. The last BYU offense to put up 30 or more points against Utah was John Beck in 2006.<br />
<br />
That said, the best passing day a BYU QB had against Utah since Beck was true freshman Zach Wilson, who posted a 20-29 passing day, with 204 yards, with 2 TD and 1 INT. It was the third-best passer rating posted on Utah in all of 2018.<br />
<br />
Again, he was a true freshman last year.<br />
<br />
So can sophomore Wilson put up good numbers versus a Utah offense that's as good as it's been in the past and maybe even better? I think he can, and I think that's key to winning in Provo on Thursday.<br />
<br />
So I'll be there Thursday, cheering my guts out at 9 PM for my Cougars to finally come through after eight tries versus Utah. Here's hoping they give me a lot to cheer about.<br />
<br />
Aaaaanyway, I believe in BYU's QB again, so it's time for another Guess the Score contest! Leave your best guess for what the score will be Thursday for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!<br />
<br />
Submissions must be made before kickoff on Thursday (around 8:15 PM, Mountain Time).<br />
<br />
Rise and shout!<br />
<br />Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-70956325170987803072014-09-06T21:51:00.000-06:002014-09-06T21:51:13.526-06:00Second verse, same as the first<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That pretty much says it all, doesn't it? The moment the game broke open from a boring 6-0 defensive slugfest into a BYU crushing of Texas. If you look closely, you can see the Texas fans in the background have their hearts broken.</div>
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Taysom was great. 67% passing. 3 rushing touchdowns. Another through the air. No interceptions. He was nails most of the night. </div>
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And the offensive line was mostly great, as well. A few bad snaps and horrible plays aside, I thought they stepped up to the challenge of a solid Texas defense and gave Hill, Williams, Brown and Hine the space they needed. </div>
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It's really, really early, but I think this team can run the table and make it to a New Year's bowl against a good opponent. No way they make it into the playoff, but an unbeaten run this year will set up a very interesting 2015. </div>
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That said, I fully expect the Cougars to fail to show up in a game or two this season; the trick will be to get the win anyway. See: <a href="http://cougarstats.com/games.php?show=details&game_id=2516">Nevada 2013</a>.</div>
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Again, I am getting ahead of myself. Great win for BYU, on national TV at a big name opponent. Don't get may shots at that, and to come out with a victory was huge.</div>
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Go Cougars!</div>
Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-41559872684039040312014-08-30T19:06:00.000-06:002014-08-30T19:07:19.427-06:00BYU @ UConn highlights<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0Fp8Jx2lfX4" width="420"></iframe>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-11056459759119595362014-08-25T15:04:00.002-06:002014-08-25T15:04:57.923-06:00What's that you say? Football is here again?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.loyalcougars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Taysom-Hill-runs-Texas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.loyalcougars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Taysom-Hill-runs-Texas.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">loyalcougars.com</span><br />
<br />
I have to admit, I am not particularly excited about the 2014 BYU football season.<br />
<br />
Reasons:<br />
<br />
1. That beat down the Cougars took from Washington last December has really stuck with me. The Huskies were nothing special, but they rolled over BYU on offense and defense the entire night, with an interim coach on the sidelines. I don't know that nine months is enough time for the players involved in that debacle to improve a whole lot.<br />
<br />
2. Taysom sounds like he is still Taysom. Incredible runner, but in fall camp, he struggled with accuracy. One play he'll hit a streaking Kurtz perfectly in stride down the sideline for a TD, and the next play a 15-yard pass over the middle to a tight end is in the dirt. It's maddening that he can't seem to put it together.<br />
<br />
3. BYU hasn't won their first three games of the season since 2008. 2008! It's almost a guarantee that this team will drop a game sometime in the next couple of weeks, and now that BYU is Independent, that solidifies a trip to the <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/10852162/byu-cougars-play-inaugural-miami-beach-bowl">Miami Beach Bowl</a> in December, no matter what.<br />
<br />
So here we are. BYU starts its campaign against the mighty Huskies of Connecticut, a team that won three games last season and is very much a football team at a basketball school. I mean, some schools can manage to be good at both major sports (see Florida), but mostly, to be elite at one, you must be terrible at the other. The saving grace for UConn is that BYU is traveling to the Eastern Time Zone for this game, and has historically been pretty awful when asked to fly that far east in the past. Look no further than the 2013 opener against a terrible Virginia team; spoiler: BYU lost 19-16. This was Virginia's only Div-I win of the entire year. Ouch.<br />
<br />
Also in the Huskies' favor is their returning quarterback, Casey Cochran. All three of the team's wins last season came at the very end of the season, and Cochran started all three of those. He even had four touchdown passes in the final game of the year in a 45-10 win over Memphis. While BYU's secondary is rumored to be the best its had since 1996, I still worry when a capable passer matches up against the Cougars.<br />
<br />
And while I am very excited about BYU's wide receiver corp this season, we won't see two significant pieces of that group in this game. Nick Kurtz is out for at least four weeks, and probably closer to 6, and junior college transfer <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24657887/byu-wr-devon-blackmon-tweets-hes-been-suspended-over-earrings">Devon Blackmon is suspended</a> for the Connecticut game after an unspecified violation of either team or BYU rules. That said, <a href="http://byucougars.com/m-football/jordan-leslie-2014-byu-football-recruiting-class">UTEP transfer Jordan Leslie</a> has also turned a lot of heads at fall camp, and he'll be ready to go, along with returning wideout Mitch Matthews, who is fully recovered from a shoulder injury he sustained last season.<br />
<br />
Another missing piece is starting running back Jamaal Williams, who will miss the Connecticut game due to an arrest earlier this year for underage drinking. Backups Algernon Brown and Adam Hine should be enough to match up against the Huskies, however.<br />
<br />
But for me, the million-dollar question is: how improved will the offensive line be? Those guys were anywhere from bad to awful much of the 2013 season, and memories of them getting beat up the middle and to the outside time and time again are seared into my memory. Taysom's accuracy issues can in part be attributed to the line not giving him much time at all.<br />
<br />
BYU's latest depth chart, <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865609518/BYU-football-Jordan-Johnson-and-Robertson-Daniel-top-updated-depth-chart.html">released today</a>, shows some familiar names from last fall, but the important thing is that reportedly, there are fewer guys being rolled in and out of the offensive line on a play-to-play basis. Cohesion is important in the trenches, and know what the other guys on the line with you are capable of is valued. Here's hoping coach Tujague can find some consistent starters.<br />
<br />
All things considered, I see an ugly win for BYU this Friday, along the lines of 19-13, to go with a 9-win season and a general meh feeling to the season. If, however, BYU stomps the Huskies by 40 and Taysom looks unstoppable, let the hype train begin!<br />
<br />Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-42334817410263890762014-05-15T16:43:00.001-06:002014-05-15T16:43:27.174-06:00A pivotal time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UX7rf1nQwis/U3VCtdHss9I/AAAAAAAALJM/o1bjT31L0mI/s1600/1383284605000-10-31-2013-Gordon-Hayward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UX7rf1nQwis/U3VCtdHss9I/AAAAAAAALJM/o1bjT31L0mI/s1600/1383284605000-10-31-2013-Gordon-Hayward.jpg" height="147" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For both BYU football and the Utah Jazz, these next few weeks and months are huge for the futures of these programs.<br />
<br />
BYU was just <a href="http://www.bcinterruption.com/acc-football-schedule-nine-game-conference-schedule/2014/5/15/5720658/acc-football-scheduling-byu-eight-game-schedule">classified as a non-Power Conference caliber team</a> by both the ACC and SEC, a decision that fairly clearly shows what many in the world of college football think of the Cougars.<br />
<br />
The upcoming schedule is not an overly difficult one, and there are games against Texas, Houston, Virginia, Boise State and Cal that will be barometers for whether or not BYU belongs at the big kid table. And with a returning quarterback on many Heisman watch lists, a running back who had the most successful freshman and sophomore seasons ever at BYU and a wide receiver corp that is better than the Cougars have seen in years, they have the talent to prove they belong.<br />
<br />
The question is the offensive line. They have been mediocre to bad since 2009, and the coaching staff has had some time to fix it. If there are not major improvements this season, this team will lose games it should not. It's that cut and dried.<br />
<br />
Overall, I have to admit I am not that optimistic. I attended the Spring Scrimmage, and Taysom did not look very improved over last season. Overthrew some balls, underthrew some, shorted a few, etc. Accuracy was a big problem, in my opinion. And the offensive line needs to take such a big leap from last season to this, that I just don't see it happening. BYU will likely go 8-4, a middling record considering the schedule.<br />
<br />
As for the Jazz, they are sitting on a potential top-5 pick in the best lottery of the last decade, are searching for a new head coach, and have five young players all taken in the top 12 of past drafts (Burke, Hayward, Kanter, Favors, Burks). That is a lot of talent, and adding another very nice piece this summer will put Utah is a fantastic position to succeed in the ensuing years.<br />
<br />
And a lot of that is dependent on who the new coach is. If the new guy is like Mike Brown, the Jazz's young guys will wallow in a terrible system with no structure, little development, and few wins. If the new guy is the second coming of Greg Popovich, the young players will flourish, talent will develop into elite talent, and the Jazz could compete for the Western Conference title within three or four years.<br />
<br />
Of course, that also hinges on the Jazz picking an alpha-level, franchise player in the draft. The Jazz have a lot of capable second and third bananas, but no one who can carry a team, scoring 25 points a game and getting 10 assists or rebounds to go along with it. Add one of these guys, and Hayward can slide back into his natural spot of being Robin to someone's Batman, as this last season clearly proved he is not capable of being The Guy.<br />
<br />
So two jobs, Jazz brass: Find the next Greg Popvich and draft the next LeBron. No big deal.<br />
<br />
And BYU? Just win. Stomp Virginia. Embarrass Texas again. Don't let Boise State sneak past you. Win the tough games, up the respect you have nationwide, and hopefully you won't be on the outside looking in when this Power 5 Conference thing is finalized.<br />
<br />Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-79067626261029784232014-02-13T10:27:00.000-07:002014-02-13T10:27:25.447-07:00Jimmer's career night in New York<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/mz_oexjT7hM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Jimmer belongs in the NBA. There's really no arguing this. He's probably not a starter, but as a sixth man, off the bench guy, he can succeed.
Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-31001647741121848292014-01-24T10:30:00.001-07:002014-01-24T10:30:12.535-07:00Mathnet is funny<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hrLjLeGUjio" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
This was far and away my favorite show when I was 6. Sure, the episodes were only 10 minutes long, but they came on every weekday at the end of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_One_Television">Square One</a>, and my little sister and I never missed if we could help it.<br />
<br />
Watching it now, it's fun catching the little inside jokes I completely missed as a kid. "Angelenos know what's important, and are willing to wait for it." HA!<br />
<br />
Now that my oldest is 5 and in kindergarten, I think maybe it's time to introduce him to the Mathnet. It's where I learned the Fibonacci sequence, after all.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-25108563599127509272013-11-20T11:38:00.003-07:002013-11-20T11:39:11.136-07:00BYU at Notre Dame, part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bti65FXhIBw/Uo0BfncaAjI/AAAAAAAAI2c/xzl_x5U6wx4/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bti65FXhIBw/Uo0BfncaAjI/AAAAAAAAI2c/xzl_x5U6wx4/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images North America)</span><br />
<br />
It seems weird to be playing at Notre Dame for the second consecutive season, and this will be the third time in a row since 2005. Notre Dame was originally supposed to come to Provo in 2014, but they pulled out and now there's not one scheduled. I hope Notre Dame didn't trick BYU into giving them a 2 for 0 for nothing, but it sure looks like it right now.<br />
<br />
But anyway, back to the game at hand. Highlights from last year's matchup: Riley Nelson missing a wide-open Cody Hoffman in the fourth quarter for what could have been a game-winning touchdown. The Fighting Irish passing a total of THREE times in the second half, as they ran all day on BYU's defense. Jamaal Williams averaging 4.6 yards per carry, but only getting 16 touches.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cougarstats.com/games.php?show=details&game_id=951">And in the end, a three-point loss.</a><br />
<br />
This year, BYU has upgraded from Riley Nelson to Taysom Hill, who is better in every way from his predecessor. Faster, better arm strength, better accuracy, you name it, Hill is better at it.<br />
<br />
That said, he's had a couple bad games in a row. He's got four interceptions to four touchdowns in his last two games, and one of those was Idaho State. I hope this is just a minor setback and not a more permanent regression, and this game will be a good indicator of which is the truth.<br />
<br />
Vegas has set this game at pick 'em, which means neither team is better than the other. Though if you factor in the 3-point home-field advantage, Vegas is actually saying they think BYU is three points better than Notre Dame on a neutral field, which is sort of interesting.<br />
<br />
I hate to be a broken record here, but I see this as a repeat of the Wisconsin game. Top-25 opponent, on the road, against a tough run offense. If Taysom can get it done through the air, I like BYU's chances. If he cannot, the Cougars will lose, and have gone 1-3 against Boise, Utah, Wisconsin and Notre Dame on the year. Honestly, that would be a disappointment.<br />
<br />
But we'll have to wait and see what happens on Friday. I believe!Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-9821475798900693212013-11-13T15:23:00.000-07:002013-11-13T15:23:23.024-07:00Wisconsin thoughts and the story of a lost sheep returningThe Wisconsin game went how I thought it would for BYU's defense. The Badgers ran hard and ran effectively. They didn't break as many long runs as I expected, but they got he job done on the ground. Wisconsin's quarterback, Stave, had a pretty good outing, completing 70% of his passes for 200 yards and a touchdown. BYU's blitzes just could not get through his protection, giving him upwards of six or seven seconds to find open guys, and BYU's secondary is nowhere good enough to handle that.<br />
<br />
What disappointed me was the offense. Taysom struggled to find guys when he had time, and he had more time than I expected he would. Without being able to see the entire field, I can only go with what ESPN showed me on Saturday, and what they showed me was Taysom having time to find receivers. Greg Wrubell, BYU play-by-play guy extraordinaire, has stated that the Cougar receivers could not get any separation from the Badger secondary. Either way, I am disappointed. If Taysom had open guys and just didn't find them, it's sad. If this BYU receiving corp was unable to get open, that's sad. Just an offensive fail all the way around.<br />
<br />
In other news, 4-star forward from Arizona <a href="http://scouthoops.scout.com/2/1346218.html">Payton Dastrup changed his commitment</a> from Ohio State to BYU today. It was less than a week ago that he made his initial choice to join the Buckeye program, and it's weird he had such an about face.<br />
<br />
Anyway, he's 6'9" and 230 and pretty coveted across the country for his big man skills. Let's have a look.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d-DcDMwL8jM" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
From this video, Mr. Dastrup looks incredibly earthbound and slow. He has decent passing instincts, and a decent shot, but man, that turnaround will get blocked out of the gym in college.<br />
<br />
Dastrup is going on a mission before ever suiting up for the Cougars, however, so don't expect to see him until 2016, at the earliest. Such is the life of a BYU fan.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-16268988518704990462013-11-06T15:19:00.002-07:002013-11-06T15:19:46.833-07:00It's Taysom Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV_5Wvk2F2w/UnrADiHSC1I/AAAAAAAAIwU/3rITK56_fZ0/s1600/51f9a43751846.preview-620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DV_5Wvk2F2w/UnrADiHSC1I/AAAAAAAAIwU/3rITK56_fZ0/s320/51f9a43751846.preview-620.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">M.P. KING — <i>Wisconsin State Journal </i>archives</span><br />
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How about that Boise State game, huh? BYU's offense looked nigh unstoppable in the first half, and then sort of fell apart in the third and fourth quarter. This is a pattern that's becoming a concern. I'd like to see an uptick in production after halftime, but maybe that's asking too much.<br />
<br />
Anyway, Taysom further showed that he can consistently hit people in stride downfield, a skill BYU has been missing in its quarterbacks for far too long. The offensive line even looked fairly competent, giving him upwards of four seconds to throw sometimes. Amazing.<br />
<br />
In the end, it was a convincing win over a pretty good team. Nice work, guys.<br />
<br />
Next up, the Wisconsin Badgers. A perennially good, never championship-level team. Their finishes over the last five years have been between 8-5 and 11-2. This year they are 6-2, and have already lost to Arizona State (on a controversial call) and Ohio State. These are not losses to be ashamed of, but they show this Badger team can be beat.<br />
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Wisconsin relies heavily on their massive offensive line and two star running backs. The O-line average over 6'4 and 300 pounds across the board, and back Melvin Gordon is averging 8.7 yards per carry on 124 touches. That's insane. That's Luke Staley-level running insane. And to add to that, Badger James White is averaging 6.3 yards a carry on his 127 attempts. Just thinking about this, combined with memories of BYU <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2012/10/frustration.html">at Notre Dame 2012</a>, gives me nightmares. The Irish racked up almost 300 yards on the ground at over 6 yards per carry, and passed the ball three times in the second half.<br />
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If Wisconsin gets a lead on Saturday, I fear BYU will get a steady diet of run, run, run, and suddenly the game will be over. BYU needs Taysom to open the game up early. They need him to find Matthews or Hoffman or Apo on a few deep balls, score quickly in the first quarter, and then score quickly again. If they can force Wisconsin to panic a bit, to come away from the power run game, I like the Cougars' chances.<br />
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But if the offense comes out sluggish after the bye, and stalls early and often, it's going to be rough to get the ball back often.<br />
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That said, I believe in Taysom. I know I was really down on him after the Utah game, but in fairness, he was historically, epically bad through three games this year. Then a miracle happened, and he figured out how to put touch on the football. I can't explain it. No one can. I'm just happy it happened.<br />
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But back to the Wisconsin game. Taysom will be rushed and hurried and have two seconds to find an open guy and get rid of the ball. But with how he showed his ability to use the tight ends against Boise, he's going to be really unpredictable to defenses from now one. He can go deep, middle, dump it short to Jamaal, find crossing routes and fades. And if you worry too much about his arm, he'll take off and pick up 20 yards on the ground. An absolute nightmare to handle.<br />
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I'm more worried about being on the road against a decent BCS team. BYU just historically does not win those games. And <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Randall_Stadium">Wisconsin is 43-4 at home since 2004</a>, a ridiculous number that really makes you pause.<br />
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That said, games are not won on the backs of history. BYU can go into Camp Randall and win. Wisconsin can lose a home game in November. Taysom can get the biggest win a sophomore BYU quarterback has ever had.<br />
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I believe!<br />
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BYU 34, Wisconsin 24Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-60711548815641232422013-10-23T15:11:00.000-06:002013-10-23T15:11:49.649-06:00Bronco Bustin'<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oHWSTwMLrW0" width="420"></iframe>
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BYU has never beat Boise State in football.<br />
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That seems crazy to me, but there it is, on <a href="http://cougarstats.com/">Cougarstats.com</a>:<br />
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9/20/2012 Boise State 7 BYU 6<br />
9/24/2004 Boise State 28 BYU 27<br />
10/30/2003 Boise State 50 BYU 12
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It's just odd that two mid-major teams within 400 miles of each other have only played three times, but I guess they've never been in the same conference, so that helps.<br />
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The last two losses were both heartbreakers, as Matt Payne missed an easy chip shot at the end of the game to give Boise the win in 2004, and Riley Nelson supplied the Broncos with their only points on a pick-six to secure the loss for BYU in 2012.<br />
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This time around, Boise State is playing the gritty, run-first, doesn't really have an arm quarterback. Taysom Hill is on a roll, having increased his passer rating every game this season, and settling on an impressive 161.88 against Houston.<br />
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The BSU starting quarterback, <a href="http://www.broncosports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/grant_hedrick_842659.html">Grant Hedrick</a>, did put up okay passing numbers against Nevada last week. Completing 18 of 21 passes is nice, but he threw zero touchdowns and did have a pick. His eight rushes for 123 yards is more impressive, until you take into account Nevada's 114 ranking in team defense for the NCAA.<br />
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And let's be honest: BYU's defense can corral running quarterbacks. I'm much, much more worried about a quarterback passing for 400 yards than I am a quarterback rushing for 200.<br />
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I expect an easy win for BYU. The offensive line gave Taysom some honest to good protection at times on Saturday, and if they keep improving, and Hill gets more and more time to throw, he's going to be impossible to stop.<br />
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Prediction: BYU 38, Boise State 17Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-17628028891504218712013-10-18T15:40:00.000-06:002013-10-18T15:40:43.735-06:00This week in BYU football<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XcluuKNnOE/UmGkPhc69vI/AAAAAAAAIsU/vWjqVXnGdCw/s1600/HoustonCougars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--XcluuKNnOE/UmGkPhc69vI/AAAAAAAAIsU/vWjqVXnGdCw/s320/HoustonCougars2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Georgia Tech thoughts:<br />
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1. Georgia Tech runs a triple option system. Bronco does not lose to triple option systems. Georgia Tech really had no chance.<br />
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2. Once GT started blitzing BYU on every down during the second half, the Cougar offense struggled a lot. While I'm glad Taysom is at the point where he's great if he gets time to throw, now we have to wait for him to mature to the point that he can read blitzes and make defenses pay for leaving guys uncovered. That may take a while. I expect every defense we play from now on to bring the house often.<br />
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Houston thoughts:<br />
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1. These guys may be the worst 5-0 team ever. They beat a 1-4 Memphis team by 10 points, and an 0-6 Temple by 9.<br />
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2. I am worried about their quarterback, freshman <a href="http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/john_okorn_847086.html">John O'Korn</a>. He throws for about 250 yards per game, and has 11 touchdowns to only one interception all season. If he throws to the sidelines to take advantage of the ridiculous cushions BYU corners will give his receivers, and can hit a deep pass or three, he can put up points.<br />
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So it's all going to come down to how well Houston can pressure Taysom, and how well BYU's secondary can do their jobs.<br />
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Prediction: BYU 34, Houston 24.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-16907604285105142112013-10-07T16:34:00.002-06:002013-10-07T16:34:39.759-06:00What happened?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R09w3hg0NnU/UlMsRj9rUrI/AAAAAAAAInI/8JqFEsOlfqk/s1600/1229794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R09w3hg0NnU/UlMsRj9rUrI/AAAAAAAAInI/8JqFEsOlfqk/s320/1229794.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)</span><br />
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Taysom sure proved me wrong, eh? He went from overthrowing receivers by 15 yards to dropping perfectly thrown footballs directly into the hands of a streaking Mitch Matthews for touchdowns.<br />
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I don't know how he figured out how to put some touch on the ball, or lead a receiver, but he did. If it sticks, BYU has itself a quarterback.<br />
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Other thoughts from Friday's game:<br />
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1. I feel bad for Chuckie. Dude's a gamer, and losing the rest of the season is a tragedy.<br />
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2. The defense played out of their minds, even against the backup QB. Lots of pass breakups, which was good to see.<br />
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3. KVN is a robot of some kind.<br />
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4. Bronco is the worst at developing backup quarterbacks. The game was well in hand at the start of the fourth quarter, yet Taysom remained in there, taking hits he didn't need to take. Ammon finally came in very late, handed the ball off a few times, and went home. If Taysom ever goes down with an injury this year, and we have to rely on a completely unproven Ammon, with zero live balls thrown, I'm not going to be pleased.<br />
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5. The offensive line was a sieve more often than not. That's gotta change.<br />
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Anyway, convincing win in a game I thought BYU would lose. On to Georgia Tech!<br />
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<br />Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-16292607205596872362013-10-04T11:35:00.005-06:002013-10-04T11:35:48.390-06:00BYU at Utah State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(ksl.com)</span></div>
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It's the annual Friday night game between the Aggies and BYU! This used to be a throwaway every year, a chance for BYU to rest its injured starting quarterback (2006) or get the backups some good time in a blowout (2008). But recently the competition has been tougher, and BYU even dropped the 2010 matchup 31-16. </div>
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More recent history has BYU winning two close games by a combined 6 points. And last year showed a ridiculous defensive slugfest where the Cougar defense held the Aggies to 3 points and still almost lost the game. </div>
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And last year is the game that has the most importance when determining what will happen tonight. Chuckie Keaton, dual threat extraordinaire, threw for 27 touchdowns and rushed for 619 yards last season. BYU held him to zero touchdowns and 37 yards rushing. I attended this game, and was amazed at how well the Cougar defense, led by Van Noy and Ziggy, managed to beat him to the edge time and time again. He never broke off a long run. Never got that long pass play. He was bottled up as effectively as I've ever seen. The defense won the game that night, and I hope to see it again this time around.</div>
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While it's true Ziggy is doing his thing in the NFL now, I like what I've seen from linebackers <a href="http://byucougars.com/athlete/m-football/alani-fua">Alani Fua</a> and <a href="http://byucougars.com/athlete/m-football/uani-unga">Uani' Unga</a>. BYU's side-to-side pursuit is as good as it's been, and while I know Chuckie has gotten stronger and faster, I still don't see him going off. Utah State will score no more than 17 points.</div>
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On the offensive side of the ball for BYU, I still don't expect great things from Taysom. He only threw 17 times against MTSU, and while one or two of them were nice throws, the rest were easy pitch and catch plays where he had plenty of time and was not dealing with real pressure. Utah State will bring it, and he'll be far less comfortable in the pocket. I think we'll see another sub-50% passing performance from Hill tonight. Depending on how well the Aggie rush defense performs, and I expect them to be stout, we might see BYU score around 17 as well.</div>
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Considering Vegas has Utah State as a 6 point favorite, it makes sense. One or two turnovers will be the decider, and in the end, I see the Aggies getting their second win in 4 years, 21-17. </div>
Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-16796899003688978652013-10-03T10:16:00.001-06:002013-10-03T10:16:59.709-06:00Are the Utah Jazz Any Good? | Bill and Jalen's 2013 NBA Preview | Rank #27<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EXg56rY-v6E" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose of <a href="http://grantland.com/">Grantland.com</a> preview the Jazz. Some pretty funny takes.<br />
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Personally, I'm more excited about this Jazz team than I've been since 2008. There's room to improve and grow, and for the first time in a long time, I'm not sure what the ceilings of these players are.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-60077699679767860122013-09-26T22:36:00.002-06:002013-09-26T22:36:35.782-06:00Middle Tennessee State University at BYU<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0yTfHjAFak/UkUI3cE6hQI/AAAAAAAAIi8/iqRUxXBvRBI/s1600/jordanparkermtsu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0yTfHjAFak/UkUI3cE6hQI/AAAAAAAAIi8/iqRUxXBvRBI/s320/jordanparkermtsu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)</span><br />
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I hate to say it, but I feel like this game is meaningless for BYU.<br />
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Game Outcome 1: Taysom comes out and continues to miss wide open receivers. The defense clamps down on the Blue Raiders because they don't have a quarterback who can throw, but the offense struggles mightily and BYU wins by a score of something like 20-13. We learn nothing. Taysom still can't throw, and the defense is able to shut down at Conference-USA team. Good for them.<br />
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Game Outcome 2: Taysom throws lights out. He's hitting guys at a 70% clip, BYU wins by seven touchdowns, etc. etc. We learn nothing, because it's a Conference-USA team. Good for Taysom.<br />
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So here we are. I'll watch the game, but I don't expect to feel any differently about this team afterwards than I do now.<br />
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Amazing what losing four in a row to your rival does to your fanbase.<br />
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Go Cougars!Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-30975145541578487932013-09-23T12:04:00.000-06:002013-09-23T12:07:30.834-06:00Familiar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chwaPa4qoEE/UkCDEANmDwI/AAAAAAAAIiE/5H6eUx8_2Lg/s1600/9-23-2013+12-05-32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chwaPa4qoEE/UkCDEANmDwI/AAAAAAAAIiE/5H6eUx8_2Lg/s320/9-23-2013+12-05-32+PM.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Utah Utes quarterback Travis Wilson throws a touchdown pass </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune)</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></div>
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I feel like we've been here before. BYU's quarterback can't hit the broad side of a barn, but is able to scramble a bit to get a few first downs. BYU's defense is good enough to hold Utah to fewer than three touchdowns. But in the end, that quarterback's inability to hit wide-open receivers leads to a pathetic offensive showing and a loss for the Cougars.<br />
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Yes, Taysom has a stronger arm than Riley. Yes, Taysom is faster than Riley. But he is effectively Riley 2.0. BYU receivers didn't play lights out on Saturday, but there were enough times they had their man beat by two or three steps and Taysom either overthrew them by 10 yards or threw behind them. And those throws were the difference in the game.<br />
<br />
Hill completed over 60% of admittedly limited passes last season. After the first three games of 2013, he's <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/482594/taysom-hill">completed 35% of his passes</a>, which is the <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/player/_/stat/passing/sort/completionPct/count/81">lowest in all of Division 1 college football</a>, and his quarterback rating is the second lowest. It's bad.<br />
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So here BYU fans are once again. Stuck with a starting quarterback who cannot pass. Four points to consider:<br />
<br />
1. BYU hasn't had a quarterback improve significantly as a player since John Beck. Max Hall was largely the same guy as a sophomore as he was as a senior. Heaps regressed from his freshman to sophomore year, and Nelson was a worse quarterback for BYU than he was at Utah State. Now Taysom fits the pattern. It's disturbing.<br />
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2. I was on board the "Taysom can figure it out, given time" train for a long time. But if you can find me a quarterback who threw for under 40%, three consecutive games, and ended up being an elite passer, I'd love to hear about it. I think he's done. John Beck's worst season at BYU, when he was a freshman, he still completed 50% of his passes, and 56% as a sophomore. I recognize that Taysom is young and may improve, but I just don't believe he will ever get to where a starting QB for BYU needs to be.<br />
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3. I'd like to see what Ammon Olsen can do. Let him play against Middle Tennessee State. We know Taysom can beat this team, having him out there accomplishes nothing. If Ammon can complete throws against an FBS school, in real game time, give him a shot to earn the starting spot. If he can't, bury him forever.<br />
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4. I feel terrible for the BYU offense, and especially KVN. He wanted this game, and holding Utah to 20 points is highly acceptable considering the squad's weakness at defensive back. The offense let them down.<br />
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Finally, it's time to announce the winner of the prediction contest. While Stuart's guess was way off in its margin of victory, he was the only one to predict a Utah victory, so he wins the $20. As he requested, I have donated it to <a href="http://www.childsplaycharity.org/">Child's Play</a>, a charity set up to get video games to sick kids in hospitals around the world.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-78326746059934011032013-09-18T11:19:00.002-06:002013-09-18T11:19:29.785-06:00Holy War, Last One Before 2016 Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
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For this year's rivalry game vs. Utah, I am taking the approach that no one can really know what will happen on Saturday. Unless Utah is head and shoulders better than BYU (2004, 2008), this is a dogfight, and until this pattern is disproved two or three years running, a dogfight it will remain.
Utah lost to a bad Oregon State team at home. BYU lost to a bad Virginia team on the road. Utah beat a good Utah State team at home. BYU beat a mediocre Texas team at home. BYU runs the ball well and passes poorly. Utah passes the ball well and runs poorly. BYU's defense is fairly great, Utah's defense is fairly bad.
All that adds up to a close game that will have me standing and screaming myself hoarse most of the night.
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Things I, as a BYU fan, want to see in this game:<br />
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1. Kyle Van Noy do <a href="http://youtu.be/Pn9R7v2yGk4?t=2m17s">this</a> to Travis Wilson.<br />
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2. Taysom to break a long TD run.<br />
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3. Jamaal Williams goes for 150 yards.<br />
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4. Paul Lasike knocks a Ute defender on his back.<br />
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5. Utah run for less than 75 yards.<br />
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That's about it. I expect Wilson to throw well, as long as he gets time in the pocket (not a given). I expect Taysom to airmail some of his passes and throw grounders with others.<br />
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And finally, I expect Utah to play out of their minds, especially on defense. Somehow these guys play the best game of their season against BYU every year. The Cougars will come out too tentative or too amped, and will settle down as the game goes on. And the final score will be within 7 points either way.<br />
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As is tradition, I'm holding a Guess the Score contest. Leave a comment with your prediction of the final score, along with Taysom Hil''s rushing yards for the game. The winner gets $20.<br />
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Go Cougars!Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-28116192730272544582013-09-10T11:20:00.002-06:002013-09-10T11:20:57.509-06:00Doing the electric car right<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0OWhAJz90tg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Well, I know what my next car is going to be. Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-41969521012035890852013-09-09T11:39:00.000-06:002013-09-09T11:39:29.556-06:00Didn't see that coming<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Pn9R7v2yGk4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
And from the Texas message boards:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.imgur.com/DppefLN.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/DppefLN.gif" /></a></div>
I have never seen a bigger improvement in one week in any position group ever in all the football I've ever watched. That the offensive line imposed its will on Texas all night is crazy and I have no idea what happened. If we can see that kind of performance against Utah, it's going to be an interesting game. Full preview next week. Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-73827985459509249962013-08-26T10:31:00.001-06:002013-08-26T10:31:50.006-06:00Coming soon<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/y2tL4xUZP_8" width="420"></iframe>
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<blockquote>
Near<a href="http://collegefootball.ap.org/article/taysom-hill-embraces-new-tempo-byu-offense"> the end of BYU's final fall scrimmage</a>, Taysom Hill showcased his knack for making big plays.
One drive featured Hill ripping off a long sprint to set up an easy touchdown. The sophomore quarterback then delivered a pass covering 56 yards to tight end Brett Thompson to set up another score.
BYU has promised to roll out a faster-paced offense this season that will regularly light up scoreboards like the Cougars did in their glory days. Hill is eager to prove he is the right quarterback to be at the controls of this revived attack.</blockquote>
Five days.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-78010108189768275192013-07-21T13:43:00.003-06:002013-07-21T13:43:56.335-06:00Can you feel that?<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ytY9U5LA-EY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-48440502464064115622013-05-23T15:28:00.000-06:002013-05-24T08:40:20.960-06:00Goodbye, Riley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ksl.com</span><br />
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This will be my last post about Riley Nelson. My <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2012/09/hawaii-at-byu.html">disdain</a> <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-thoughts.html">for</a> <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2013/04/build-around-stars.html">him</a> <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2011/04/byu-football-hype.html">is</a> <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2012/10/what-season.html">well</a> <a href="http://fromthefrozenwasteland.blogspot.com/2010/09/man-down.html">documented</a>, But he's gone now, having finally used up all of his college football eligibility. Having <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865580166/High-school-football-Riley-Nelson-hired-as-offensive-coordinator-at-Logan-High.html">landed at Logan High School</a>, teaching offense to bunch of teenagers, he will never throw another pass for BYU ever again.<br />
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Earlier this week, Nelson <a href="http://www.1320kfan.com/upload/audFiles/5-20-13RileyNelsonuncut.mp3">was interviewed</a> on a local Salt Lake sports radio show. Among other topics, the hosts asked him about his health last season, when it was clear he was struggling to even move his arms in certain games. When asked specifically about the Utah game, Nelson <a href="http://www.ksl.com/?sid=25285398&nid=272&title=byu-quarterback-riley-nelson-reflects-on-controversial-senior-season&fm=home_page&s_cid=queue-8">gave this response</a>:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The fractures were unstable in the University of Utah game meaning I could feel them grinding and shifting and moving in my back. … at halftime … there were moments where it was kind of hard to keep your mind focused, to keep your hand from shaking, but, you know it was great to have an opportunity to go out there and battle. … it was my senior year to play Utah at Utah — there was no way I was going to bow out or throw in the towel and my coaches were gracious enough to let me go ahead and compete.</blockquote>
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Are you kidding me? A healthy Riley isn't even a competent quarterback, and here he is telling us that even terribly injured, he wasn't going to give up the chance to play Utah during his senior season. There's no mention of team. No mention of wanting to win. Just a selfish desire that it be HIM out on the field, gritting it out like only he know how.<br />
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The fact that Riley Nelson started 14 games for the Cougars is unfathomable. That Coach Mendenhall fell in love with Riley's heart and spirit and amazing good looks is very distressing. Can't we just play quarterbacks who are quarterbacks? I don't care if they are a prima donna (see: McMahon) or cries after losses (John Beck). If they can make all the throws with zip and accuracy, play them. If not, they ride the pine.<br />
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As far as this applies to the 2013 season, we know Taysom can run. We know he can throw the ball 60 yards. What we don't know is if he can get the ball where he wants it, every time. This season is his proving ground, in my opinion. Here's where he has to show accuracy. If, by the end of the year, he still has trouble hitting tight ends over the middle or dropping a pass into the hands of a streaking Cody Hoffman, I am all for exploring other options.<br />
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My point is, I hope we learn from the Riley Nelson fiasco. May we never play a converted fullback at quarterback again.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4686559413429262258.post-36720078161031002422013-05-16T11:35:00.001-06:002013-05-16T11:36:10.811-06:00Mid-playoffs analysis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhyxtU-p8Jw/UZUYgnIr4FI/AAAAAAAAIFk/nuzmKj6YgtA/s1600/Wade+vs+Bulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vhyxtU-p8Jw/UZUYgnIr4FI/AAAAAAAAIFk/nuzmKj6YgtA/s320/Wade+vs+Bulls.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.71875px;">Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images</span></span></div>
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So yeah, the NBA playoffs are happening. Ever since we got rid of cable, I've watched maybe two entire NBA games. I still care, but not nearly as much as I used to, which makes sense, I guess.<br />
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The consensus among NBA experts and fans seems to be that this is the Heat's title to lose. I agree, and maybe that's part of my disinterest in this year's playoffs. After ripping off a <a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/9098417/how-miami-heat-went-historic-winning-streak-came-dominate-league">27-game winning streak</a> and going 8-1 through the playoffs so far, LeBron has won something like 42 of his last 43 games. The only real threat to this team is maybe Memphis? but the Grizzlies just can't score enough versus a great defense to win four games.<br />
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And despite the Heat looking as vulnerable as you can while going 4-1 against Chicago, I feel like they're playing possum and conserving energy for when it really matters. Wade has looked like like an old man for the last few weeks (<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nba/blog/eye-on-basketball/22243878/dwyane-wades-knee-doesnt-sound-like-its-in-very-good-shape">knee problems</a>), but last night? When it was time to clamp down on the Bulls and earn some rest for the conference finals? 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 2 steals with only one turnover in <a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20130515/CHIMIA/gameinfo.html">something of a throwback performance</a>. When it gets down to brass tacks, the Heat have another gear they can get into that no one else can touch.<br />
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That said, I really like what the Grizzlies are doing right now. Everything is built around strong, smart defense. Everyone, from Gasol to Allen Conley, know exactly where to funnel driving players and who to double team where and when. You cannot beat them going one-on-one, as the Thunder tried to do for much of that series. As everyone fretted about Memphis <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8898673/rudy-gay-traded-raptors-grizzlies-6-player-deal-involving-pistons">giving up their 20-point scorer Rudy Gay</a> for essentially nothing earlier this season, the Grizzlies knew it was addition by subtraction. Getting rid of an inefficient scorer who is bad on defense makes your team better overall.<br />
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So here the Grizzlies are. No flashy free agent signings. No one scoring more than 15 a game. An All-Star banger down low (Randolph) and a Defensive Player of the Year (Gasol). Add in some lock down team defense and suddenly they're in the conference finals. The Jazz can do this.<br />
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Elsewhere, it was fun to see the Lakers flame out so spectacularly. It's been fun to see the Knicks fall apart when faced with some real defense from Indiana. It was unsurprising, but still kind of sad, to see the Nuggets fall apart in the first round after a great regular season. Just more proof that regular season success is no indicator of future championships.<br />
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As an aside, if you look at the likely final four teams: San Antonio, Memphis, Miami and Indiana, the Grizzlies and Pacers were #1 and #2 in defense this season. Miami was fourth and San Antonio was 9th.<br />
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Good luck making it far in the playoffs without an elite defense, everyone in the NBA.<br />
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<br />Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08426116709669588248noreply@blogger.com0